How to Hide Cords Against Baseboards

The first rule of camouflaging wires is to make them the same color as the background.

The addition of a new appliance, computer accessory or sound system component usually brings with it a cord that must be connected to an electrical outlet. When you can't locate the new device near a receptacle, or you must connect two components, the best place to run the cords is usually along the floor next to the baseboards. You can hide the cords behind a track or molding, but that involves an unnecessary expense. If you can't put the cords behind the baseboard -- which is the most effective way to hide them -- you can use another way to camouflage them.

Behind the Baseboards

1

Pry off the baseboards along the path of the cords with a pry bar. If the cord needs to go past a doorway, pry the casing off the door frame. Before you pry off the trim, cut through the caulk along the top or outer edge with a utility knife.

2

Stuff the cords behind the wall and wedge them between the bottom plate of the wall and the floor. When you come to a doorway, run them between the door jamb and the wall framing. Use wire staples to hold the cords to the framing, if necessary. Tap the staples into the framing with a hammer, taking care not to pierce the cords.

3

Nail the baseboards and door casing back with 8d finish nails. You may be able to salvage the nails that were already holding it. Sink the nailheads with a nail punch and fill the nail holes with spackling compound.

4

Re-caulk the tops of the baseboards with acrylic latex caulk and wait for the caulk to dry. Touch up the baseboards with trim enamel.

In Front of the Baseboards

1

Paint the cords the same color as the baseboards, using trim enamel. The plastic sheathing on most cables accepts enamel, and the cords are easier to paint before you run them.

2

Run each cord directly down the floor, keeping it behind the appliance it's powering or a piece if furniture, if possible. Secure it to the bottom of the baseboard with a wire staple that's the same color -- or close to the same color -- as the baseboard.

3

Stretch out the cord along the floor and push it into the space between the floor and the bottom of the baseboard. If the floor is carpeted, you should be able to make the cord disappear in this way. If the floor is hard, just wedge the cord as deeply as possible. Secure the cord to the baseboard with a staple every 2 feet or so to keep it in place.

4

Staple the cord around the outside of the door frame when you come to a doorway. Make 90-degree bends when you transition to the frame and back to the floor.

5

Feed the other end of the cord vertically to the receptacle or the point of connection. Hide the part of the cord that you can see behind furniture, if possible.

Things You Will Need

Pry bar

Utility knife

Wire staples

Hammer

8d finish nails

Nail set

Spackling compound

Acrylic latex caulk

Trim enamel paint

Tip

If you have to run the cord along a wall to get to its point of connection, paint the cord and the staples that hold it the same color as the wall. When you have to run the cord along a wall, it's best to do so along an inside corner or along a piece of trim.

Warning

Don't stuff the cord tightly enough under baseboards or into corners to pinch the sheathing. The sheathing could break and expose the wires.